Free State Police Commissioner appointed
Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae stated that the community has been yearning for this moment and that they must feel safe within their province.
Following the successful tenure of Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, which concluded on January 31, the National Commissioner of Police, General Fannie Masemola, visited the Free State to announce the appointment Lieutenant General Thabang Solly Lesia as Provincial Commissioner.
The National Commissioner was accompanied by the Premier of the Free State, Me. Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, the MEC for Community Safety and Transport, Mr. Jabu Mbalula, and the Acting Divisional Head of Crime Detection, Major General Mogale.
In her welcoming address, Premier Letsoha-Mathae stated that the community has been yearning for this moment. She emphasized that the people of the Free State must both see and feel safe within their province.
”The incumbent must be a person who understands the challenges experienced by our communities,” the Premier noted, calling upon the SAPS management to provide full support to the new Provincial Commissioner.
General Masemola highlighted that Lieutenant General Lesia possesses vast experience in both the Detective Service and Visible Policing (VISPOL) and holds a B Tech in Policing. He urged the “men and women in blue” to keep their heads held high and continue serving their communities with pride and diligence.
Closing the session, the Premier welcomed the appointment, stating that the leadership of Lieutenant General Lesia must translate into increased visible policing. She noted that as a “son of the soil” born and bred in the Free State, the General has first hand understanding of the unique criminal challenges facing the province.
In his acceptance speech, Lieutenant General Lesia expressed his appreciation for the confidence placed in him to lead the Free State SAPS. ”I will remain a servant of the people and ensure that our members provide quality service,” said Lieutenant GeneralLesia. He committed to providing decisive leadership and ensuring strict accountability at all levels. His primary focus areas will include:
- The eradication of drugs in troubled communities.
- The upholding of professional police conduct.
- Prioritizing the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
- Targeting organized crime syndicates.
